>My code does not have control at the time. As soon as I get control back, I
>can update it again. What I don't like, are the long periods when the
>thermometer is frozen, while the system is doing something else. I've been
>assuming I just have to live with it, but was hoping someone might have a
>better idea.

Well, maybe not a better idea, but you could change the cursor to an animated hourglass when you're about to do something you know will hang up your thermometer. Sorry I don't have a code sample for doing this....